The Enchanting Jiuzhaigou “Fairyland” Nature Reserve of China

Legend has it that long ago, Dage, the Chinese god of strength created a mirror from cloud and wind as a present for the beautiful goddess Semo. But Semo accidentally broke the mirror, and the shattered pieces became the 118 dazzling turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou.

The Jiuzhaigou National Park in Sichuan is among the most beautiful nature reserves in China. And despite the thousands of tourists who visit the park each year, the park still remains serene and peaceful as if it were truly enchanted.

Its spectacular landscapes comprising of crystal clear lakes and rivers, magnificent waterfalls, lofty snow-capped peaks, and lush green forests inhabited by giant pandas earned it its popular name “Fairyland.”

The shimmering lakes of Jiuzhaigou were first discovered by a wildlife biologist trailing some pandas to observe their habitat and migratory patterns. According to scientists, the lakes were formed from the interaction of calcium carbonate with the water through the ice ages.

Apart from its breathtaking scenery, the park is home to nine Tibetan villages (from which it was literally named after), over 220 bird species, and numerous endangered plant and animal species, including the giant panda, Sichuan golden monkey, the Sichuan takin, orchids and, rhododendrons.